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e-6959 (Social affairs and equality)
E-petition
Initiated by Andre Lehrer from Toronto, Ontario
Original language of petition: English
Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled
Whereas:
- The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit was indexed to inflation until 1997, then reduced from $3,580 to $2,500 in 1998, and has remained frozen ever since;
- If it had remained indexed, the benefit would be about $6,400 in 2025;
- The average cost of a funeral in Canada has more than doubled since 1998, now typically between $15,000 and $20,000;
- Many Canadians outlive their savings, leaving families to shoulder unaffordable funeral expenses;
- The estates of most deceased persons are ineligible for the $5,000 CPP “top-up” because it applies only to those who have never received CPP;
- The number of unclaimed bodies has increased in recent years as next of kin struggle to afford funeral costs; and
- Every person deserves dignity in death, regardless of their financial situation.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:
1. Increase the CPP Death Benefit to $6,400 (its inflation-adjusted 2025 value had it remained indexed) and restore annual indexation to prevent further erosion;
2. Provide tax deductions or credits for funeral and final disposition expenses to help families afford a dignified farewell; and
3. Encourage environmentally responsible options, such as green burials, through targeted tax incentives and other supportive measures.
- Open for signature
- November 17, 2025, at 9:59 a.m. (EDT)
- Closed for signature
- March 17, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. (EDT)
